Method of and apparatus for assembling strands



Dec. 3, 1940. a FORD 2,223,954

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING STRANDS Filed June 28, 1958 4Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG! B. K. FORD Dec. 3, 1940.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING STRANDS Filed June 28, 19358 4Sheets-Sheet 2 lNl/ENTOR B. KFORD fimwpz ATTORNEY B. K. FORD Dec. 3,1940.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING STRANDS Filed June 28, 1958 4Sheet'sSheet 3 //v VENTOR B. K. F 0RD A 7'TORNEV B. K. FORD Dec. 3,1940.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING STRANDS Filed June 28, 1938 4Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR B. K. F 0R0 ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 3, 1940UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLINGSTRANDS Ben K. Ford, Westiield, N. J assignor to Western ElectricCompany,

Incorporated, New York,

25 Claims.

This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for assemblingstrands and more particularly to a semi-automatic apparatus by means ofwhich the method may be practised for producing multi-conductor cordsand the like.

In the electrical art, especially in telephone systems, it is desirableto employ multi-conductor cords for electrically connecting cooperatingdevices of the system. The Patent 1,954,979 of April 17, 1934, toWilliam T. Barrans and Ben K. Ford illustrates an apparatus forautomatically assembling one form of the multi-conductor cords.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple, eflicient andpractical method of and apparatus for producing various types of strandassemblies.

With this and other objects in view the invention comprises an apparatusby means of which 20 a method may be practised for braiding a cover onstrands to form cords wherein a timing mechanism automatically stops thebraiding unit at selective intervals during which the operator may movethe tubular guides for the strands beyond a the braiding point toproduce slack in each strand so that portions of predetermined length ofthe strand may be secured to a gage member and the selective number ofstrands to be covered may be increased or decreased at will. Also, meansis provided to cause the braiding unit to apply a closer braid at thebeginning of each cord.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus,portions thereof being shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus, portions thereofbeing broken away to illustrate the invention;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the strand controllingmeans shown in its raised posi tion;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the gage plate and associated parts;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of one of the strand controlling elements,a portion thereof being shown in section;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the brake mechanism;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken along theline 1-1 of Fig. 2;

Fig, 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the structure shown inFig. 7, and

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are views illustrating some of the various types ofcords which may be produced from the apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatesimilar parts throughout the views, numeral 8 designates a supportingtable upon which is mounted a braiding unit 9. Although the braidingunit is a part of this invention it is not believed necessary to show itin detail in order to illustrate the invention. The braiding unit may beof any well known type comprising the usual rotatable carriers forrespectively carrying the inner and outer sets l0 and ll of bobbins orcops to form a covering on strands i2 at the point l3, which hereinaftermay be described as the braiding point. A stationary tube i5 extendsupwardly through the braiding unit for rotatably supporting the latterand has a head portion l8 removably secured to the upper end of thesleeve and has apertures in spaced circular formation to guide strandcontrolling elements The elements II are relatively long, extending frompoints l8 shown near the bottom of Figs. 1 and 3 to positions near thebraiding point i3 and are axially bored to allow the strands l2 to passupwardly therein to and through apertures near their upper ends, thestrands being held against downward movement by resilient members l9(Fig. 5). The elements i! are rigidly held in radially spaced positionsby a retaining member normally held in engagement with the upper edge 21of a tubular guide 22 by means of a helical compression spring 23, theupper end of which engages the lower or inner portion of the head IS.The tubular guide 22 has an integral annular flange fixed to and rigidlyheld by a bracket 25 mounted upon the table 8. Slidably disposed in theguide 22 is a tubular actuating or lifting member 28 normally positionedwith its upper edge 21 spaced a desired distance beneath the upper edge2| of the guide, the purpose of which is to allow suiilcient movement ofthe actuating member before it is moved into engagement with theretaining member 20 to allow a sufiieient slack in each strand beforemoving the elements l1 upwardly.

Any desired number of strand controllinng elements may be employed, inthe present instance there being six shown (Fig. 4), and for eachelement there is provided a reel of strand material, these reels,indicated at 28, being positioned in groups of three rotatably supportedby shafts 30 removably supported by the table 8 (Figs. 1 and 2). A pairof sleeves 32, positioned in parallel relation and rotatably mountedupon rods having their ends fixed to brackets mounted upon the table,serves as guides for the strands being drawn from the reels (Figs. 1 and3). The strands pass downwardly from the sleeves 32 to the lower end ofthe actuating member 28. To the lower end of the member 28 is removablysecured an annular guide member 33 having rounded lower edges to guidethe strand material as it is drawn upwardly to and through the strandcontrolling elements. I1.

A mechanism is provided to move the actuating member 28 upwardly whenthe braiding unit is stopped. This means comprises a treadle 38 havingan adjustable stop 38 to limit its downward movement, the treadle beingfixed to a shaft 48 journalled in brackets 4| secured to the table 8.Movement of the treadle downwardly to the dotted line position (Fig. 1)causes a rocking of the shaft 48 clockwise and a similar movement of aspring arm 43 and a lifting arm 44, which are also fixed to the shaft48. The spring arm 43 has its upper end connected to one end of ahelical tension spring 45, the other end'of the spring being secured toa fixed bracket 48 mounted on the table. The purpose of the spring 45 isto rock the shaft 40 counter-clockwise to return the actuating mechanismto its normal position when the foot treadle 38 is released. Pivoted tothe outer end of the lifting arm 44 is a link 88 connecting the armoperatively to a lever 5| between the ends of the latter. One end of thelever 5| is fixed to a hollow shaft 53 rotably mounted upon a solidshaft 54 which extends from one side of the table to the other where itsends are rigidly secured thereto, as illustrated in Fig. 2. A similarlever 58 is also secured to the hollow shaft 53 at one end thereof and,in its normal position, extends inwardly and downwardly in a directionparallel to the lever 8| (Figs. 1 and 2). Pivoted to the inner ends ofthe levers 5| and 88 are links 51 which extend downwardly therefrom andhave their lower ends pivotally secured to guide member 33. In thismanner the actuating member 28 is operatively connected to the treadle38 to be moved upwardly when the treadle 38 is moved downwardly. Thepurpose of this movement of the actuating member 28 is to move thecontrolling elements" above the braiding point I3 so that the operatormay, when the braiding unit is idle, form loops in certain of thestrands I2 being covered so that uncovered portions will be present atthe end of each cord section.

Whenthe controlling elements I! are moved upwardly through the actuationof the treadle 38 their upper ends pass through apertures 88 in a gageunit 8| (Figs. 3 and 4) so'as to position the strands projecting fromthe elements thereabove. By viewing Fig. 4 it will be observed that theunit 8| has a relatively large aperture 82 concentric with the advancingcord and provided with a plurality of radially extending springcompressed plungers 83 having concave inner ends conforming to the cordas it leaves the braiding point to serve as guides for the cord. Slots84 extending from the apertures 88 to the aperture 82 providepassageways for the strands I2 as they are moved upwardly during upwardmovement of the elements I1. A plurality of slots 85 extending radiallyfor desired distances from points near the aperture 82 adjustablyreceive retaining elements 88, which in the present instance are in theform of resilient hook members, around which the strands I2 may belooped or bent. The retaining elements 88 may be formed with collarslarger in diameter than the cross sectional dimensions of the slots 85and may be adjustably ing integral portions by the aid of which the unitmay be secured to a cross bar or member 88, the ends of the latter beingsupported by upright bars 88, the lower ends of which are rigidlymounted in brackets upon the table 8.

The cross bar 88 has also fixed thereto a bracket 12 for supporting ashaft I3 for a plu- 1 rality of idler pulleys I4. The finished cords orstrand assemblies which are held together by the braiding material aredirected upwardly about one of the pulleys 14 around which it passes toa groove of a capstan I5, the latter being rotatably mounted upon ashaft 18, suitably supported by the cross bar 88 and driven from aconstant speed means (not shown). The inner end of the shaft 18 hasfixed thereto an arm 11 carrying in its outer end a pin '18 normallyurged inwardly by a spring (not shown) and positioned to be forced intoany one of a plurality of apertures I8 circularly disposed about theshaft 18 in the adjacent end of the capstan. The pin I8 may be movedoutwardly by the aid of a head member 88 which may be gripped by theoperator.

Means is provided to automatically stop the actuation of the braidingunit at predetermined intervals or after a cord of a predeterminedlength has been formed. This means, in addition to mechanism forautomatically disconnecting the braiding unit from its driving means,includes a braking means to quickly stop the unit. The braking means(Figs. 1, 2, 6, '7 and 8) comprises an endless chain 85 passing aroundsprocket wheels 88 and 81, one or both of which may be driven byconstant speed driving means (not shown), for example that employed todrive the braiding unit 8, to advance the upper portion of the chain inthe direction of the arrow at a predetermined speed during actuation ofthe braiding unit. Mounted upon the chain 85 is a cam block 88, theupper surface of which is tapered to ride beneath a brake actuatingmember 88 adjustably mounted upon a horizontal element 88. The member 88is adjustably secured to the element 88 by means of a bolt or othersuitable means extending through one of a plurality of elongated slots8| in the element. This brake actuating member also has a taperedsurface 82 positioned to be engaged by the tapered surface of the camblock 88 when riding therebeneath to' cause movement of the member 88.and the element 88 upwardly through an are controlled by a link 83 and alever 84 which are pivotally s'ecured to and support the element.

Brackets 88 rigidly mounted upon the table 8 pivotally support the link83 and the lever 84. The lever 84, although shown in two parts fixedtothe ends of a shaft journalled in its bracket, may be considered as asingle lever to simplify the description. The upper end of the lever 84is operatively connected to a lever 88 through an adjustable link I88,the lever 88 being pivoted at IN to a stationary bracket or support I82mounted upon the stationary portion I83 of the braiding unit 8. Thestationary portion.|83, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, is circular ingeneral contour, having an outwardly projecting annular flange I04 uponwhich is movably disposed a brake ring I05 having secured thereto, atspaced positions, brake shoes I06. The general formation of the brakeshoes I06 is illustrated in Figs. 6, '7 and 8, each brake shoe having atapered surface I08 positioned away from a similarly tapered surface I09of one ofthe rotatable carriers of the braiding unit so that when thebrake shoes are raised these surfaces will be brought into intimateengagement to cause the brake shoes to stop rotation of the braidingunit. The brake ring I05, carrying the brake shoes I06, is moved throughthe actuation of the lever 99, the operative connection between the ringand the lever consisting of a pin I I2 carried by the ring andreceivable in the upper slotted end of the lever as i1- lustrated inFig. 1. It will be observed that through the action of the cam block 88,on the chain 85, in engagement with the actuating member 89 to move theelement 90 in a clockwise arcuate path, controlled by the link 93 andthe lever 94, clockwise movement is imparted to the lever 94 to rock thelever 99 counter-clockwise through the link I00, causing clockwisemovement (Fig. 6) of the ring I05 and brake shoes I06. Cams II4 havingtapered surfaces II5 are disposed in cut-away portions of the annularflange I04, where they are rigidly secured in place adjacent the brakeshoes. Diametrically opposite the lever 99 and mounted upon the brakering I05 is a latch cam I20 having a tapered surface I2I positioned toengage a latch I22. The latch I22 is pivotally mounted at I23 upon anarm I24 and is held in engagement with the tapered surface I2I by meansof a flat spring I25. One end of the arm I24 carries a pin I26 which ismovably disposed in an elongated aperture in the latch cam I20, whilethe other end of the arm is secured to one end of a tension spring I21,the other end thereof being fixed at I28 to a stationary support (notshown). A stationary lug I29 fixed to a suitable means (not shown) ispositioned to be engaged by the latch I22 to hold the ring with thebrake shoes in inoperative position. The mechanism actuated through themovement of the brake actuating member 89 caused by its engagement withthe cam block 88 moves the brake ring I05 clockwise (Fig. 6) asufficient distance to cause the latch cam I20 to move the latch I22free of the stationary lug I29. When this takes place the spring I21 isrendered effective to cause a continued clockwise movement of the brakering to move the brake shoes carried thereby so that their tapered 5surfaces I I6 will ride on the tapered surfaces I I5 of the cams I I4(Fig. '7) to move the tapered surfaces I08 of each brake shoe intointimate engagement with the tapered surface I09 of the rotatablecarrier, thus stopping the braiding unit. The brake mechanism is held inthis position until the operator is desirous of again causing actuationof the braiding unit 9 and chain 85, at which time the block 88 movesfree of the member 09, allowing the entire brake mechanism r to returnto normal position against the force of spring I2'I to move the latchI22 again into engagement with the stationary lug I29. The element 90 isof sufficient weight to cause the brake mechanism to return to normalposition, yet if desired it may be assisted by a spring or othersuitable means.

This brake means illustrates one means for stopping the actuation of thebraiding unit. It should be understood that other means may beassociated with the brake operating means to assist in stopping thebraiding unit. For example, a switch (not shown) for opening and closingan electrical circuit through an electric motor, which might be employedto drive the braiding unit, the sprocket wheels 86 and 81 for the chain85 and the capstan shaft I6, may be positioned to be closed by theelement as it reaches its uppermost position in the actuation of thebrake means to open a circuit to the suggested motor, the switch beingoperable when the element 90 advances to its lowermost position to closethe circuit. The possibility of employing such switch controlling meansis apparent and not believed necessary to show in detail in order toillustrate the invention.

With this apparatus a continuous covering material is formed throughselective stages of operation of the braiding unit, the latter beingstopped at predetermined intervals through the braking means includingthe mechanism for actuating the brake shoes I08 and other means (notshown) associated therewith to disconnect the braiding unit from itsactuating means. The time interval of operation of the braiding unitcoupled with the speed of advancement of the finished products throughthe rotation of the capstan I5 determine the length of the strandassemblies formed by the apparatus. The length of these strandassemblies may be varied by securing additional actuating members 89 tothe element 90 and/or by securing additional earns 88 to the chain 85.Furthermore, strand assemblies of varying lengths might be formed byvarying the relative positions of the actuating members 89 on theelement 90 or the relative positions of cam members 88 on the chain 85.

To illustrate the operation of the apparatus, let it be assumed thatstrand assemblies formed of two strands I2 .are to be formed. While thebraiding unit 9 is at rest the operator, by moving the treadle 38downwardly against the tension of spring 45, causes the levers 5I and 56to move counter-clockwise about the shaft 54 to lift the links 51 andtherewith the actuating member 26. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the upperedge 21 of the actuating member 26 is positioned below the upper edge 2Iof the tubular guide 22 upon which the retaining member 20 for thestrand controlling elements I'I normally rests. Therefore, the verticalmovement of the actuating member 26 from its lowermost position, shownin Figs. 1 and 2, to the position where its upper edge engages theretaining member 20 brings about the forming of slack loops in all thestrands adjacent the reels 28. This slack in the strands is maintained,as illustrated in Fig. 3, as continued vertical movement of theactuating member, through the downward movement of the treadle 38, movesthe retaining member 20 with the strand controlling elements I! upwardlyagainst the force of the spring 23 to move the upper ends of theelements beyond the braiding point I3 and above the gage member 6I,Figs. 3 and 4. With the elements I] in the and eventually secured to atake-up reel (not shown). After the elements I! and their actuatingmeanshave returned to their normal positions the braiding unit may then beset in motion, forming a covering on the selected strands, the braidingunit continuing the forming of the covering on the strands until thedesired length has been reached, at which time the cam block 88 willride beneath the member 89, causing actuation of the mechanism linkedwith the brake ring I05 to cause actuation of the brake shoes I06 tostop rotation of the braiding unit. At this point the operator may againactuate the treadle 38 to move the strand controlling elements I! totheir uppermost positions and i if it isdesired to form strandassemblies as illustrated in Fig. 10, this form having loops I20 and l2lin the strands free of the covering material, the operator may draw thestrands through their respective elements I1, which is easilyaccomplished due to the slack loops formed near their reels, and hookthe strands over selected retaining elements 66, as shown in Fig. 4. Thestrand controlling elements I! are again allowed to return to theirnormal positions. formed in the strands may represent the end of onestrand assembly and the beginning of another. Although the covering iscontinuous this covering and the strands may be severed to formindividual strand assemblies. To eliminate unravelling of the coveringmaterial when it is cut at the juncture of the strand assemblies, meanshas been provided to form a very close weave of the covering material atthis point. This is accomplished by the operator withdrawing the pin 18from the aperture 19, in which it is disposed, and allowing the pin torest upon the surface .of the capstan 15 the desired position betweentwo of the apertures so that when the braiding unit is set in motion theshaft 16, which is operated in synchronism with the braiding unit, willnot cause advancement of the strands until the arm 11 has been movedclockwise through the rotation of the shaft 9. sufficient distance toalign the pin 18 with the next aperture and .allow its spring (notshown) to cause operative connection between the shaft and the capstan.The close weave caused by this mechanism is illustrated at I22, Figs. 9,10 and 11.

The operator may, if he chooses, continue to form the strand assembliesillustrated in Fig. 10 by carrying out the same steps as previouslydescribed. However, additional strands may be added to those alreadybeing presented to the braiding unit to form strand assemblies, as isillustrated in Figs. 9 and 11. This is brought about by moving thestrand controlling elements to their uppermost positions, selecting theadditional strand or strands, and fastening the free end or ends thereofto selected retaining elements 66, and after the controlling elements IIhave again been lowered and the braiding unit again set in operation,this additional or these additional strands will be included in thecover formed by the braiding unit. The retaining elements 66 are soconstructed and embody sufficient resiliency to hold the strands until,during the advancement of the completed strand assemblies, they arepulled upwardly and freely released therefrom.

Although only three different types of strand assemblies are shown inthe drawings, numerous other types of strand assemblies may be formed.Furthermore, only six strand controlling elements I! are shown, but itshould be understood that The 100138 any desired number. of theseelements maybe employed to present desired groups of strands to thecover forming means, namely the braiding unit. Furthermore, a pluralityof strands may be passed through each element. It is, therefore,possible to present any desired number of strands to the cover, formmeasured loops at the juncture of the strand assemblies, which isaccomplished through the gage member BI and its adjustable retainingelement 86, and if so desired any selected number of strands which hasbeen fed to the braiding unit may be withdrawn therefrom by severingsuch strands while the strand controlling elements are in their raisedpositions.

In the present embodiment of the invention a braiding unit isillustrated for weaving a' continuous cover to which strands may be fed,but it should be understood that the invention herein disclosed isillustrative only and may be widely modified and departed from in manyways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention aspointed out in and limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is: I

1. In a strand assembling apparatus, means operated intermittently forapplying a continuous cover on a plurality of strands, and means to feedvarying numbers of strands to the cover applying means between theintermittent operations 3. In a strand assembling apparatus, meansoperated intermittently for applying a common cover on a plurality ofstrands, and means to feed selected variable numbers of strands to thecover applying means between the intermittent operations thereof to formvarious types of strand assemblies.

4. In a strand assembling apparatus, means for applying a common coveron a plurality of strands, and means to feed strands selectivelyvariable in number to the cover applying means to form various types ofstrand assemblies at predetermined intervals in the common cover.

5. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands,

means to interrupt the operation of the unit at predetermined intervals,means to cause portions of selected lengths of certain of the strands tobe uncovered, and means to add selected other stands to the strandsbeing covered.

6. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands, means to interrupt the operation of the unit atpredetermined intervals, means to move strands beyond the unit, andselective means to hold portions of varying lengths of certain of thestrands free of the unit.

7. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands, means to interrupt the operation of the unit atpredetermined intervals, means to move strands beyond the unit, means tohold portions of certain of the strands.free of the unit, and means toposition an additional strand to be included in the cover.

8. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands, means to interrupt the operation of the unit atpredetermined intervals, means to move strands beyond the unit, means tohold portions of certain of the strands free of the unit, and selectivemeans to position an additional strand to be included in the cover andto hold a portion of variable length of the strand free of the unit.

9. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands, means to guide strands under tension to the unit,means to interrupt the operation of the unit at predetermined intervals,and means operable to release the tension on the strands and move theguide means to position the strands free of the unit.

10. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a coveron advancing strands, means to guide strands under tension to the unit,means to interrupt the operation of the unit at predetermined intervals,means operable to release the tension on the strands and move the guidemeans to position the strands free of the unit, and selective means tohold portions of varying lengths of certain of the strands free of theunit.

11. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a coveron advancing strands, means to guide strands under tension to the unit,means associated with the guide means to limit the direction of movementof the strands relative thereto, means to interrupt the operation of theunit at predetermined intervals, and means operable to release thetension on the strands and move the guide means to position the strandsfree of the unit.

12. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a coveron advancing strands, means to advance the strands during operation ofthe unit, and means to stop the advancement of the strands duringoperation of the unit to cause closer weaving of the cover.

13. In a strand assembling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a coveron advancing strands, means to advance the strands during operation ofthe unit, and means to stop the advancement of the strands atpredetermined intervals during operation of the unit to cause closerweaving of the cover at selected portions.

14. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover, feeding selected strands to the cover, and freeingportions of measured lengths of certain of the strands from the cover atcertain intervals, and freeing other portions of different lengths atother intervals to form various types of strand assemblies.

"15. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover, feeding selected strands to the cover to form one typeof strand assembly, and feeding certain other selected strands to thecover to form another type of strand assembly.

16. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover, feeding selected strands to the cover to form one typeof strand assembly, and discontinuing the feeding of certain of thestrands to form another type of strand assembly.

17. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover, feeding selected strands to the cover to form one typeof strand assembly, discontinuing the feeding of certain of the strands,and feeding certain other strands to the cover to form another type ofstrand assembly.

18. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover, feeding selected numbers of strands to the cover, andvarying the number of strands fed to the cover to form diflerent typesof strand assemblies.

19. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover, feeding selected numbers of strands to the cover atpredetermined intervals to form strand assemblies with variable numbersof strands, and removing portions of certain of the strands from thecover at the juncture of the strand assemblies.

20. A method of forming strand assemblies comprising weaving acontinuous cover on advancing strands. positioning selected strands tothe cover, and stopping the advancement of the strands at predeterminedintervals to cause closer weaving of the cover.

21. In a strand handling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands, means to interrupt the operation of the unit atpredetermined intervals, means to move strands beyond the unit, and aplurality of holding members positioned measured distances beyond theunit for the selective holding of certain of the strand measured lengthsfree of the unit.

22. In a strand handling apparatus, a unit operable to weave a cover onadvancing strands, means to interrupt the operation of the unit atpredetermined intervals, means to move strands beyond the unit, and aplurality of holding members positioned measured variable distancesbeyond the unit for the selective holding of certain of the strandmeasured lengths free of the unit.

23. In a strand assembling apparatus, means to apply a common cover onstrands, and means to cause portions of selected lengths of certain ofthe strands to be uncovered at certain intervals and cause otherportions of lengths varying from the first mentioned lengths to beuncovered at other intervals to form various types of strand assemblies.

24. In a strand assembling apparatus, means operable to apply a commoncover on core strands and conditioned to be stopped for the addition ofanother core strand, and means to add another core strand to those inthe cover.

25. In a strand assembling apparatus, means operable to apply a commoncover on core strands and conditioned to be stopped for the decreasingof the number of core strands. and means to decrease the number of corestrands in the cover.

BEN K. FORD,

